David

The surface of the water of Perton pool acting like a fairground distorting mirror on the reflection of a black-headed gull.

This year’s new leaves on a dock. At this time of year, leaves on many plants have areas which are reddish rather than green – here near the central rib of each leaf. That’s an indicator of where growth hormone is concentrated. Later, when the hormones have done their work, they are normally reabsorbed by the plant, and their elements recycled.

How much can change in a short time. These pictures were taken three weeks ago today. Female blackbird on a frosty lawn after a cold night, struggling to find worms or insects to eat.

Bright red buds opening into flowers on a Chinese quince (a.k.a. japonica) shrub.

White duck near the lake at West Park, very much larger than the mallards. Thought from the skull shape and the black patch at the back of the head that it could have been a muscovy / aylesbury cross.

Seen one time only – there have been no signs of the bird on several subsequent visits to the park.

A horse chestnut flower bud at the end of a twig, with its sticky coating. A little further down the twig, the flower buds are smaller.